It's been almost a year since Meadows Regional Medical Center announced negotiations to merge with HCA Healthcare, a for-profit healthcare provider. But like everything else, COVID-19 threw a wrench into the plan. Now, things are back on the fact track according to Meadows CEO Alan Kent.

Kent said that negotiations have begun again in earnest, and the local hospital is hoping that an agreement is reached within 30 days. However, that doesn't mean that the deal will be finalized at that point.

After the two bodies comes to an agreement, their plan must be sent to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr for his review and approval, and that adds another 90 days before the acquisition proceeds further. After and if the Attorney General approves - and Kent says he believes he will - then the Attorney General will set a public hearing so that local individuals can voice their opinion and hear how the healthcare facility will continue to provide the best care for local resident, care for the indigent and other areas of concern.

Kent said he does expect, however, to have the merger completed by the end of this year.